This incredible event is happening at the Origin Hotel Red Rocks. Join us for a Saturday of education, networking, and fun! Empower your employees to stay educated to better your office's work environment, business practices & profitability. Bring your whole office for a team bonding day!

General Registration OPEN NOW through 3/22/25

Late & At-the-Door Registration: 3/23/25 through the day of the convention for an additional $50 fee. 

Registrations are Non-Refundable.

CLICK "Show More" BELOW TO SEE ALL THE DETAILS!

• 6 hours of ABO CE Courses

• ABO Exam Prep Course - Taught by professor of opticianry from the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS)

• Networking opportunities with other optical professionals

• Vendor exhibit hall with prize giveaway

• Professionals Round-Table Discussion

• Breakfast and Lunch

• Happy Hour!

  
  

  

Origin Red Rocks Reservations

Stay at the Origin Hotel Red Rocks ! We have a special room rate of $139 through Friday 3/7, make your reservation before regular rates apply.

Make your reservation here.

OAC Membership Meeting & Cocktail Party

Join us for the annual members meeting and reception! All members are invited and may bring a guest. If you are not a member yet, this is a great time to join the OAC and then join the party!

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RSVP is required for this event.

Please click the link for details and to RSVP.

ABO CE Courses (6 hours)

ULTRA HIGH INDEX LENS MATERIALS (ABO LEVEL 2)

Course Description: In this course you will explore lens materials with index 1.70 and higher. Specifically, you will learn to consider multiple variables when selecting lens material for high Rxes. Included will be a discussion of Index of Refraction, Abbe Value, Tensile Strength, Specific Gravity, Shatter Resistance, Color Stability, Brittleness, Reflectance, Design Availability and Access to products. You will spend time on some new products that enjoy limited availability so that participants can better leverage their current tools and seek new ones.

LIVING INTO YOUR VALUES (ABO LEVEL 1)

Course Description: In short, this course is going to teach you how to love helping the world see.

You will identify your personal values and leave with tools to work as a team to articulate your practice’s values. Socially conscious consumers are making values-based decisions. We must respond by clearly articulating our values in word and deed. One way of doing that is through engagement with philanthropic partners.

The reality of our daily lives may feel ordinary or routine, but the care we provide is actually quite extraordinary. The majority of people in the world do not have access to eyecare or eyeglasses. You will learn about the impact of eyecare in the developing world and what you can do to not only make a difference in the lives of people around the world, but also meet the demand in the marketplace created by socially-conscious consumers. You will leave knowing how to sell these good feelings at YOUR practice and lift your bottom line.

DEVELOPING YOUR SALES SCRIPT (ABO LEVEL 1)

Course Description: In this class, students will examine the mission and values of their practice and develop a sales script that works. They will learn to develop sales scripts that are patient-focused, complete solutions. They will explore the notion of selling lenses first and how frame styling can be done to make sure your patients see the value of having an optician on their care team. Lastly, the class will explore why having a uniform sales approach across your office brand is key to consistently providing awesome service that retains patients.

ROSE-COLORED GLASSES: HOW OUR EYES PERCEIVE COLOR AND HOW YOU CAN MANIPULATE COLOR LIKE A WIZARD (ABO LEVEL 3)

Course Description: In this class, you will learn in-depth anatomy and physiology of color perception, beyond rods and cones, so that you can then know what you are doing when you use tinted lenses, specialized filters, polarization or mirrors. Learn how to identify what colors to use to enhance particular activities (like office work, driving or sports) and how to wield the tools in your lens toolbelt to enhance patient color perception specific to the lens use.

Professionals Roundtable: Elevating Your Practice for Success (2 hours)

The Professionals Roundtable is an engaging panel discussion featuring industry experts who will share insights on distinguishing your practice in a competitive landscape. This session will explore key strategies for enhancing client experiences, fostering wellness-centered services, and delivering exceptional value through personalized care. Panelists will discuss the importance of demonstrating expertise, providing exclusive offerings, and exceeding client expectations with unparalleled service and benefits. Attendees will gain practical takeaways and innovative approaches to elevate their professional presence and drive long-term success.

Meet Our Speakers

Cira Collins, MPH, ABOM, NCLEC

Cira Collins uses her optical prowess as a positive force—from serving as director of the American Board of Opticianry, where she is pioneering the development of specialized fields like neuro-opticianry and sports vision; director of GoodVisionUSA, where she works to provide sustainable technologies to deliver eye care in underserved areas of the world; and associate vice chair of the Optical Women's Association membership committee, where she helps create services that address women's most important needs in the industry.

Collins still finds time for her "side hustle," Optical Intuition, her consulting business, where she delivers ABO- and NCLE-certified courses at the state and national level, including Vision Expo's OptiCon. Plus, acting as an account executive for Lafont, she enjoys sharing optical designs with practices throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Bob Russo, ABOC, NCLEC

Professor Russo is a professor emeritus of opticianry, certified by the American Board of Opticianry, the National Contact Lens Examiners, the Opticians Association of America in Refractometry and is licensed in the states of New York and New Jersey. Professor Russo is past President of NFOS (National Federation of Opticianry Schools) and a past Commissioner for the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation.

Professor Russo received an Associate Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from New York City Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from The City University of New York, and a Master of Arts degree in Education from New York University. Professor Russo was named “National Federation of Opticianry Schools “Educator of the Year” in 2009, “Optician of the Year” by the New York State Society of Opticians in 2012 and received the National Academy of Opticianry’s “Joseph Bruneni Memorial Education Achievement Award in 2015.